Hedyotis scabridifolia
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| Hedyotis scabridifolia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Hedyotis scabridifolia, var. stonei collected from southern Guam by Fosberg, 1980 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Hedyotis |
| Species: | H. scabridifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Hedyotis scabridifolia Kaneh. (1935) | |
| Varieties | |
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Hedyotis scabridifolia is an herb or small shrub that is endemic to the volcanic soils of the Mariana Islands of Guam, Rota and Saipan.[1]
The taxonomic key to Micronesian Hedyotis species provided by Fosberg et al. indicates that the distinguishing characteristic of Hedyotis scabridifolia is the "distal branching of thyrses," which are ascending and racemiform. It is similar to Hedyotis laciniata but with inflorescence pattern more similar to H. fruticulosa," and "notable for its long-exserted style."[2]
The variant H. scabridifolia var. scabridifolia (synonym: Hedyotis saipanensis[3]) is endemic to Saipan and distinguished by the whole plant being puberulent (covered in small hairs).[4]
The variant H. scabridifolia var. stonei, found on Guam and Rota in savannas and disturbed sites, is distinguished by its stems and leaves being glabrous, or smooth. It is named after the botanist, Benjamin Stone, who was one of the collectors.[4]